China has repeatedly been billed as the largest energy consumer and portrayed as possible future aggressor in the quest for more energy, mineral, and even water resources. Most western press also mentioned that China is a resource poor country that consumed a prodigious amount of minerals. However, the first point is factually wrong. … [Read more...] about Is China a Resource Poor Nation?
Environment
Massive number of BYD electric vehicles in trial
The following presentation is by a BYD executive in America talking about the company's directions. I find his slides showing the ongoing trials in various cities in China make the company and it's technologies much more concrete and real. China is also investing heavily to enable the charging infrastructure necessary for wide adoption of electric vehicles, not to mention the … [Read more...] about Massive number of BYD electric vehicles in trial
CNN’s latest look at a Shengzhen toy factory in going green
CNN is basically trash, though today I was forwarded a link to their look at a toy factory in Shengzhen trying to be more green. Of course, the typical Western view of the Chinese factory is like that of 19th century America or U.K.. There are horrendous working conditions, I am sure, in other sectors such as rare earth and coal mining. The Chinese government absolutely … [Read more...] about CNN’s latest look at a Shengzhen toy factory in going green
Daffodils
Some daffodils I planted few months ago are in full bloom now. Not really raining today, but spraying water on the flower gives it more interest. I've been struck how beautiful these flowers are. … [Read more...] about Daffodils
WTO’s Recent Ruling Against China over Export Controls of Certain Raw Materials: A Critical Juncture for the WTO and a Chance for Chinese Leadership?
Last week, the WTO handed China a setback in its ruling over its appeal over export controls (herein the Ruling) covering "[c]rtain forms of bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon carbide, silicon metal, yellow phosphorous, and zinc." The Global Times has a strong response: Time to reassess unfair WTO entry terms Global Times | February 01, 2012 … [Read more...] about WTO’s Recent Ruling Against China over Export Controls of Certain Raw Materials: A Critical Juncture for the WTO and a Chance for Chinese Leadership?